Wonders of Snaefellsnes Peninsula - Small Group Tour

The Snæfellsnes Peninsula encapsulates the essence of Iceland’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Its varied landscape makes it an ideal destination for those who wish to experience the diversity of Iceland without travelling far from the capital. Whether you’re looking for adventure, tranquillity, or a journey through history, Snæfellsnes promises an enriching and unforgettable experience.

You might recognise the Snæfellsnes peninsula if you’ve ever looked closely at a map of Iceland. It is the long, narrow peninsula that sticks out into the Atlantic on the west coast of the island. To the north, it sits on Breiðafjörður Bay, while Faxaflói Bay (which stretches all the way to Reykjavík) lies on the south coast of the peninsula. Snæfellsnes is around 135 kilometres (83 miles) from Reykjavík and the drive is around two and a half hours.

To reach the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, you can drive from Reykjavík, which is the most common starting point for trips to the peninsula. The drive typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way, depending on the route and weather conditions. You'll want to head north from Reykjavík on Route 1 before turning onto Route 54, which will take you along the southern edge of the peninsula.

Alternatively, for those who prefer not to drive, there are organized day tours available from Reykjavík. These tours often include transportation and a guide who can provide insights into the area's unique geology, history, and folklore. Day tours can be a convenient and informative way to experience the highlights of Snæfellsnes without the need to navigate or plan an itinerary yourself.

The best time of year to visit Snæfellsnes depends on what you want to do when you get there. If spotting puffins is on your bucket list, then visiting Snæfellsnes between May and August is the best time of year when the birds are most active and you might see little puffin chicks. If hiking on the Snæfellsjökull glacier is your top priority, you’ll want to visit in the summer months when the daylight hours are at their longest, giving you the most time for the hike. Between September and March, glacier hikes do not run on Snæfellsjökull. Whale watchers should consider visiting Snæfellsnes between December and April when you’re most likely to spot orca whales out in Breiðafjörður Bay. Winter can be a beautiful time of year to visit the peninsula, when Kirkjufell mountain is covered in snow and you have the chance to spot the Northern Lights in the long hours of darkness, away from the lights of Reykjavík.

It really depends on how much time you have. Seeing most of the region’s highlights on a day tour is possible. Some travellers spend an afternoon in Snæfellsnes, while others plan for multiple days.